Motorists in the UK are required by law to have valid car insurance. Driving without motor insurance is illegal, carrying a maximum fine of £5,000, six to eight penalty points and potentially disqualification from driving.

If you are involved in any kind of road accident, car insurance protects you, your vehicle and other road users by providing financial compensation to cover the costs of any damage or injuries. The minimum legal requirement for car insurance is third party, which will cover you if you cause damage or injury to another person, vehicle, animal or property in a road incident.

However, third party insurance does not cover the potentially high costs of repairing any damage to your own car, or cover you if your vehicle is stolen or damaged in a fire. For a higher level of cover, third party, fire and theft car insurance or comprehensive car insurance are options.

Upgrading to comprehensive car insurance will provide you with the highest cover and protect against damage to your own vehicle, even if you are to blame for the accident. If you are involved in an accident where you are not at fault, the RAC’s award-winning comprehensive car insurance will also provide free motor legal protection cover of up to £100,000, to help you pay for any legal expenses that you might incur.